Nicaragua, 2011

In October 2011 a team of GlobalFire volunteers travelled to Northwestern Nicaragua to conduct a two week "Capacity Building Operation". The aim of which was to supply and train the city of Chinandega's volunteer Bomberos (firefighters).

The team's first week in Nicaragua was used to remedy the local Firefighters equipment deficiencies, test the department's entire hose supply, and prepare the training locations. Though this first week was busy, the GlobalFire team was able to organize free drinking water distributions to rural fishing villages affected by flooding, and fed children living at the city's dump.

During the week of the course, the host department (the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Chinandega) had invited Firefighters from 6 other surrounding departments to attend the GlobalFire training. Throughout the course the GlobalFire team donated fire fighting and medical supplies. Items such as: firehose; nozzles; extinguishers; forcible entry tools; search and rescue tools; auto extrication tools; rope rescue equipment; water rescue equipment; and ambulance supplies were all freely donated to the Nicaraguan Firefighters.

The course was designed to fulfill a training syllabus sent to GlobalFire by the Chinandega fire department and covered topics such as: Firefighter breathing packs (SCBA); pumping with firetrucks; structural fire fighting; compartment fire fighting; forcible entry; search and rescue (with hoselines or with searchlines); drags and carries; ground ladder operations and rescues; first aid; and water rescues.

The week of training concluded with a "live fire" scenario held in a 3 story abandoned building in the centre of the city, in which the students had to locate and rescue GlobalFire instructors. This was all done in cooperation with the city's police department, who cordoned off the streets and was held in "real time" in front of a live crowd and with national media in attendance.

The course was topped-off by a graduation ceremony and certificate presentation. The Cuerpo de Bomberos de Chinandega displayed their gratitude by granting the members of the GlobalFire team honorary Captain ranks within the Chinandega department.